NEW YORK, February 13, 2025–Today, Atria and Emily Bestler Books announced the launch of a new horror imprint called 12:01 Books which aims to identify, grow, and publish creator-driven IP.  

12:01 Books is a joint venture between Scott Glassgold, 12:01 Films founder and producer, and Emily Bestler, SVP, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of Emily Bestler Books. Liz Parker, Managing Partner of Verve, negotiated the deal.

Together, they will develop and publish a carefully curated list of horror novels, working with emerging and established creators and authors to launch compelling books and films.

In 2024 Emily Bestler Books published Marcus Kliewer’s WE USED TO LIVE HERE, which sold to Netflix with Blake Lively committed to star and produce; and WILDERNESS REFORM by Matt Query and Harrison Query, which sold in a bidding war to Paramount. Glassgold will produce both feature film adaptations.

12:01 Books will launch with the publication of Marcus Kliewer’s highly anticipated second novel, THE CARETAKER, in 2026. The film version of THE CARETAKER is currently in development, with Sydney Sweeney attached to star and produce alongside Glassgold and Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes.

“Atria is thrilled to work with the talented Scott Glassgold,” said Libby McGuire, SVP and Publisher of Atria Books. “His bold thinking combined with his mind-bending energy and creativity will be a perfect match for Emily Bestler’s brilliant publishing.”

“Story comes first – always – and as we continue to shorten the distance between great books and great content, 12:01 Books builds upon the impeccable brand 12:01 Films has created,” said Liz Parker, Managing Partner of Verve. “Who better to partner with 12:01 than the incomparable Emily Bestler?”

Emily Bestler said, “Book publishing is going to Hollywood, and what better partner could we have than Scott Glassgold for finding and building content that wows on the page and on the screen?”

“In both cinema and publishing, it all starts with the written word, This imprint aims to honor those shared origins and provide our authors a platform to harmoniously grow their stories into successful films and books — and there is no better literary partner to achieve this than the incredible Emily Bestler,” said Scott Glassgold.

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About Atria Books: Atria Books (AY · tree · uh) is an imprint of Simon and Schuster. Atria fosters an open environment where ideas flourish, bestselling authors soar to new heights, and tomorrow’s finest voices are discovered and nurtured. Since its launch in 2002, Atria has published hundreds of bestsellers including commercial and literary fiction, mysteries and thrillers, narrative nonfiction, politics and popular culture, science, personal development, and spirituality. Atria is a place where great books come to light. For more information, visit our website at https://www.simonandschusterpublishing.com/atria

About Simon & Schuster: Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, is dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world’s most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards. It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Adams Media, Avid Reader Press, Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, and VBK in the Netherlands and Belgium. It proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories. For more information visit our website at www.simonandschuster.com.

About 12:01 Films: 12:01 Films is a leading entertainment platform specializing in filmed media and publishing. Founded by Scott Glassgold, 12:01 has made a name for itself in the short-story-to-feature-film space, selling and shepherding such high-profile projects as The Dwelling at Amazon starring Michael B. Jordan, Long Lost at Universal with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin producing, and My Wife and I Bought a Ranch at Amazon with Drew Hancock writing and directing. As a producer, Glassgold has produced such feature films as Prospect, Hurricane Season and Sony’s Tarot. 12:01 Film is a sister company to the talent management company Ground Control, which represents an array of visionary filmmakers, authors and creators.

About Verve: Verve is a premier talent agency providing global representation for clients across film, television, publishing, digital, commercial endorsements & branding, audio, theater, and books-to-screen. Founded in 2010, the agency prides itself on discovering the most exciting new voices in entertainment and guiding the careers of some of the most sought-after storytellers in the world. Verve clients have been recognized by the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, Grammy Awards, Tony Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize. Continually disrupting an industry with its innovation and ability to be reflective of an ever-changing landscape, Verve’s client-first approach provides unparalleled service, influence, and career-building with a passion matched only by that of their clients.

CONTACT:
Lisa Sciambra, VP, Director of Publicity, Atria Books
Lisa.Sciambra@simonandschuster.com

For rights Information:
Nicole Bond, VP, Executive Director Subsidiary Rights, Simon & Schuster
Nicole.Bond@simonandschuster.com

For Verve:
Alexandra Le Tellier, Head of Communications
aletellier@vervetla.com